DETROIT – When hockey legend Gordie Howe turned 87 last year, his former linemate Ted Lindsay was honored to have the chance to wish him another happy birthday.
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It's nice to have the opportunity to wish Gordie a happy birthday after he went to Mexico for his stem cell (treatment) and kind of had a miracle happen for him, and I hope that miracle continues for many, many years," said Lindsay.
Lindsay was referring to Howe's health improvement last year after he participated in a stem cell clinical trial. The Howe family said "Mr. Hockey" had a miraculous recovery since a serious stroke in late October 2014.
Howe and Lindsay played together for several years in the 1940s and 50s, winning Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1955. Along with center Sid Abel, the trio formed the first installment of the "Production Line," one of the most famous scoring lines in NHL history.
They were feared around the league for their physical play, too. But Lindsay knew Gordie as a kind man and friend.
"He's the kindest hockey player who ever played, as far as I'm concerned, but I'm a little prejudice," he said. "So have a good day Gordie, and have many, many more."